Vietnam struck by poultry shortages

Vietnam may have to import poultry, pork and beef at
the end of this year if the current feed situation does not take a positive
turn.

If the animal breeding and feed processing industry do not to solve its
current situations soon, Le Ba Lich, chairman of the Vietnam Animal Feed
Association has warned, then Vietnam will have to import meat by the end of this
year.

Breeders can no longer afford to continue

Many poultry and livestock farmers have been forced out of the industry due
to soaring prices.

According to Lich, with capital used to purchase breeding animals and
animal feed, which comes from loans with 20% interest, breeders cannot afford to
continue work.

In addition, bird flu has also played a role in the current meat
shortages.

Currently, chicken accounts for 11%-12% of the country's meat
consumption.

Investments to avoid shortages

To avoid meat shortages and encourage livestock farming, Lich said the
association plans to invest in production and imports of raw materials for
animal feed production.

The association requested that banks lower interest rates on loans, the
Ministry of Finance to eliminate the value added tax (VAT) for raw produce, the
Ministry of Industry and Trade to reorganise distribution systems.